NOISE GATE PEDALS
The noise gate pedal isn’t a popular guitar accessory, not unless playing the guitar is something you do for a living. But despite the fact that it’s less known, it can be a wonderful piece of equipment that can take your sound to another level. So, today we’re wanted to talk about what they are, what they do, and how to choose the best noise gate pedal from which you can benefit.
What Is A Noise Gate Pedal?
A noise gate pedal can create a very interesting sound effect when using the right. Guitar and bass players used just a pedal when they want to block undesired signals that are quite normal in an electric setup. The reason why this item may not be this popular is that it’s mostly used by professionals, either on stage or inside a recording studio.
Hum Extractor + Decimator G
Electro-Harmonix Hum Debugger
Noise gate pedals are devices that will maintain the quality of the sound output at a high level while blocking the aforementioned signals. As you know, the guitar is typically connected to the amp via a cable. Between the two devices, there are a lot of different audio signals that come from different sources. For example, single coil pickup guitars can create some of these audio signals.
There are people who prefer to use a single pedal that meets all their requirements, but these are generally called multi-effect pedals, are not to be confused with noise gate or effect pedals. The most important thing to remember about noise gate pedal features is the threshold level.
ISP Technologies Decimator II
Randall BLOQ Noise Gate
On the front side of such a pedal, there’s a pretty large control knob that allows you to establish the noise level. This level will typically vary depending on the brand of the pedal, but it could be anywhere between -70DB to +10DB., for example. Once the level of noise goes below or above this interval, the noise gate pedal is triggered to block unwanted sounds.
Noise gate pedals are one of the most underrated guitar accessories on the market. In fact, people that use a noise gate pedal will never want to play without one ever again. If you often find yourself recording your own tunes, this item should totally be on your next shopping list. Once you’ve used it a couple of times, you will notice the difference between before and after you’ve included this pedal into your system.
The Noise Gate
lotmusic Noise Gate
Efficiency
At this point, you may be wondering just how efficient a noise gate pedal is. The answer is very dependent on the brand chosen, which means a higher or a lower quality product.Of course, a good noise gate pedal will always be efficient, because it’s an extra mean to help musicians get the best sound quality possible. But there are so many different noise gate pedals on the market, that making a decision could turn into a nightmare.
Keep in mind that with noise gate pedals, the price tag is often a reflection of quality, so if you want a really good product, you will have to pay extra for it. Assuming you are on a tight budget, but would still like to own a decent noise gate pedal, you will have to cut down on things like design or number of features. You can look for pedals that are simple and effective, and still find one within your price expectations.
Behringer Ultimate Noise Reduction
Setting Up Your Pedal
Depending on the type of noise gate pedal you choose, you can get one, two, or more knobs, each with its own functions. But don’t be fooled: even a pedal with just two knobs can be tricky to set up. It doesn’t matter if you have the most expensive pedal in the world, it won’t really do you any good unless you understand how to use it. The threshold knob will require some fine-tuning in order for it to do a great job in kicking in to cancel noise just when you need it to. If this is not set up correctly, you could end up killing softer notes.
MXR Noise Clamp
Rocktron Hush Noise Reduction
Decay is another knob typically found on noise gate pedals. It will determine the speed for triggering the noise gate when the selected threshold is reached. You can opt for a fast decay, but it could cause your tone to become more unnatural. On the other hand, a slow decay can cause the noise gate to function improperly, making you feel like the noise gate pedal is useless.
You may be wondering what is the best placement for your new noise gate. There are two options to choose from. In case you’re not using a delay or reverb, you can place the noise gate pedal at the end of the signal chain. If you are using delay or reverb, you can place the pedal before them, to make sure it doesn’t interfere with these effects.
Artec SE-NGT NOISE GATE
COOLMUSIC C-CS02 Noise Killer
Why Use A Noise Gate?
Noise gate pedals are guitar pedals that have a very specific function. When you are playing amplified sounds all you hear are the intended notes and tones.However, when a player stops playing there is often static noise produced by the amp. To stop this annoying buzz during performances musicians use noise gate pedals. Once activated, the pedal removes the unwanted hum of the amp.
Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, these pedals can be set at certain thresholds. This means that you don’t have to manually engage it every time you need it. It also helps when playing in a band scenario by allowing other instruments to be heard more clearly. Noise gate pedals are both very useful and very easy to use.
Pigtronix
Mitigating Amp Static
This is the main benefit of noise gate pedals. When you’re playing away and have just finished a big solo or are in between chord stabs, having a noise gate pedal included in your setup automatically stops the static hum that your guitar and amp naturally produce.
Pigtronix Gatekeeper
PYLE-PRO Compact Mini Hum Eliminator
Another advantage of these pedals is that they’re incredibly easy to use. You simply wire them into your pedal chain and set the level at which it kicks in. Once you have this set up your noise pedal gate will automatically kick in when the signal and sound levels you’re producing drop below a certain level.
The concept behind noise gate pedals is fairly simple. It does what it says on the tin in that it allows a ‘gate’ to open and close. When you are producing enough sound, the gate is open allowing the signal to reach the amps. When your levels drop off, the gate closes and the signal is cut. As amps get older they tend to produce a louder humming sound. If you are using an analog and high gain amp in particular then be prepared for a buzz.
Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor
JOYO Noise Gate
Amount of Volume and Gain
All amps produce a certain level of static, which is unavoidable. However, if you push the volume or gain up, you’ll find your amp will produce much more.
Your EQ Settings
Boosting mid and treble frequencies will boost any unwanted noise your amp is producing.
AC Supply and Other Interference
You may not automatically think of this, but the quality of your mains supply also has an impact. If the quality of power is poor, your rig will produce a much less ‘clean’ sound.
Radio and Static
Electrical appliances, cell phones, Bluetooth, and two-way radios can all have a bad effect on amp static.
Revv G8 Noise Gate
SHYPT Single Noise Gate
You may be wondering what is the best placement for your new noise gate. There are two options to choose from. In case you’re not using a delay or reverb, you can place the noise gate pedal at the end of the signal chain. If you are using delay or reverb, you can place the pedal before them, to make sure it doesn’t interfere with these effects.
The choice for a noise gate pedal depends on what kind of guitar player are you. If you’re the kind of person that plays at home, alone or with a group of friends, you won’t need the most pretentious pedal.
Deci-Mate Micro Noise Gate
Donner Noise Gate
However, if you record your own music, use a studio, or play professionally on stage on a regular basis, you might want to invest in a higher-end product because the results and the improvements a high-quality noise gate pedal bring are really noticeable.
Recommended Noise Gate Pedals
KULT Noise Gate
At higher settings anything below aggressive strumming will be cut.The two way selector switch controls if the gate kicks in aggressively switch a steep volume cut, or more softly with a gradual cut.
Electro-Harmonix The Silencer
A sophisticated noise gate, The Silencer can tame a single pedal or an entire effects loop. It features three controls for precise fine-tuning to match your axe, rig and playing style.
MXR M135 Smart Gate
The Smart Gate is equipped with three selectable types of noise reduction to handle virtually any type of signal. It bites down on sizzle and hum but lets the smallest detail of your playing through. With its uncanny ability to sense precisely when-and how fast-to engage, this little genius will never get in your way, so you can wring every last bit of sustain out of that chord without being cut off
Noise Gate Pedal Noiser Killer
Reduces the noise from input signal without lowering the quality of your original signal.
Made of high-quality zinc alloy, durable and sturdy.
TC Electronic SENTRY NOISE GATE
High-quality multiband noise-gating pedal with an impressive hard-gate mode for noise-free, fully dynamic performances
